Battle cries can be heard by the National Rifle Association (NRA), especially during election time. “Don’t impede the second amendment”, “Don’t let the liberals take our guns.” “Do not give away our divine rights,” and sayings like these are common in today’s society and in today’s social media. Gun rights are a selling point in this year’s elections and the right is blaming the left and the left is blaming the right.

What is new? With such a high mass shooting rate here in the United States, and fear of refugees and terrorism running rampant gun rights give us a leverage point for dealing with these issues. While the second amendment gives is the right to bear arms, it does not stop the government from putting restrictions on owning guns, much like though abortion is legal nationwide, it does not stop the state of Texas from defunding Planned Parenthood. Recently, Arizona attempted to pass a “permit-less” carry of guns in the state. Anybody can carry as long as you are over 21. No license to carry, no training, just toting a gun around. As “American” as that sounds, this is not the Old West and the 1,387 deaths in 2015 alone from mass shootings (wounded not included) has almost made mass shootings an American trademark. The candidates of this year’s election have taken strong stances on gun rights for this reason. They all have something in common. A stress in mental health. Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders want to close the so called “gun show loophole." Basically, if you go into a gun show, you can buy a gun without question.

The mental health crisis in America is the true cause of mass shootings in America, but the ability to put a large band aid on it to cover the issue would be more gun control laws. After the solution to mental health issue is completed and working, gun control can be taken back a notch. But until then, the solution to mental health issue is completed and working, gun control can be taken back a notch. But until then, gun control is a necessary part of society today. Whether it is stronger background checks, closing the “gun show loophole,” or requiring a clean bill of health from a certified doctor, the mental state of the nation is at its limit. We truly need to do something about this crisis before it is too late.